Romania is a safe country, with the worst crimes being petty and non-violent. Corruption remains an ongoing concern, however, and is an unfortunate reality across many aspects of life in Romania. Despite this, expats who familiarise themselves with the country will feel secure in their new home.

Crime in Romania

Like in most countries, crime does occur Romania, but it's generally opportunistic in nature. The most common forms of crime in Romania are petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transport in the larger cities.

Institutional crime, such as corruption, continues to be a problem and new arrivals are advised to be wary of officials demanding bribes or issuing fines. Due to this, there are certain areas within cities that expats should avoid. The most notorious in Bucharest is the Ferentari district, which is a predominantly socially disadvantaged area in the southern part of the city.

The Romanian government has tried to crack down on all forms of crime, including corruption and institutional crimes. Although the anti-corruption measures have not always been effective, there is evidence of some high-profile arrests in recent years. 

Racial prejudices are also sometimes an issue in Romania, particularly with regard to the Roma people, who are often stereotyped as being thieves.

Credit card fraud in Romania

Credit card fraud is an ongoing problem in Romania, with foreigners being specifically targeted. Although most services in urban centres offer credit card payments, many expats prefer to use cash when making purchases in the country. 

Stray dogs in Romania

Although the number of dogs roaming the streets has decreased dramatically in recent years, stray dogs are common in Romania, especially in Bucharest. Many people like to feed them and, as a result, dog bites do happen. The Romanian government has made a concerted effort in recent years to control the stray dog population, but it has come under increasing criticism for the cruelty of its campaign, with thousands of dogs being culled.

Expats are advised to avoid stray dogs where possible as some can be aggressive and may have rabies. 

Emergency numbers in Romania

If expats find themselves in an emergency in Romania they should dial 112. Many operators do speak English.  

Further reading

►For more information on adjusting to life in the country, read Culture Shock in Romania.

►For money matters, read Banking, Money and Taxes in Romania.

Expat Experiences

"I’ve always felt very safe in Romania. I think the biggest danger is driving/cycling. There are very few highways throughout Romania. This means two-lane roads through dangerous mountains. We took  a road trip across the country during the summer and I was terrified the whole time. We also saw numerous incredibly serious accidents. Within the city, there are also a lot of driving dangers. There are almost no dedicated cycling lanes, so commuting by bicycle can also be quite dangerous." Read about Jessica, an American expat, and her experiences living in Romania.

Are you an expat living in Romania?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Romania. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.